Authorities secure the gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on Sunday, December 2, 2023, shortly after it was turned into a bloody crime scene. The university issued a statement condemning the attack, noting how it was carried out on a campus and targeted a religious ceremony attended by students, a first in MSU’s history. (Lanao Del Sur Provincial Government/REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) – Maute Group, said to have ties with two suspects in the Mindanao State University (MSU) bomb attack, have been arrested, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Thursday.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo identified the arrested individuals as alias “Maausor” and alias “Monatanda / Titing,” the third and fourth most wanted persons in Lanao del Sur.
“Noong December 9, inaresto po ng joint elements ng PNP and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), during pursuit and follow up operations ang dalawa na pinaniniwalaan nating miyembro ng DI-Maute group,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Thursday.
Last December 9, they were arrested by the joint elements of PNP and AFP during a pursuit and follow-up operation.)
She added that authorities were able to locate the two in Barangay Cabasaran, Lumbayanague in Lanao del Sur, where two MSU bombing suspects, Kadapi Mimbesa, alias “Engineer,” and Arsani Membisa, alias “Lapitos,” “Khatab,” or “Hatab” — who remain at large — reportedly sought refuge following the attack.
Fajardo likewise disclosed that they are investigating to determine if “Maausor” and “Monatanda” were directly involved in the bombing incident and what charges may be filed against them.
Aside from the arrested individuals, the police official also bared the faces of two other “persons of interest” (POI) who were believed to have transported a bag containing the bomb to MSU.
Fajardo also informed the public that a P1 million reward awaits anyone who will step forward and provide credible information to identify these POIs.
Meanwhile, Fajardo also disclosed that a case has already been filed against the arrested suspect, Jafar Gamo Sultan, for illegal possession of explosives and harboring a criminal.
During Sultan’s arrest, the PNP official said authorities were able to confiscate a grenade. The investigation also showed that the arrested suspect knew about the plan of the suspects at large.